It’s been a busy summer, a new season, a new sponsor, new broadcasting deal but most importantly a new agreement between the Welsh Rugby Union and the regions.

Although not getting everything they wanted, I think the Ospreys, Blues, Scarlets and Dragons have negotiated a far better deal than I thought they would.

Fair play to them for driving on and being united. In doing so they have provided the foundation for regional rugby to thrive for years to come.

In the short term, the uncertainty of the landscape in Wales has hampered recruitment during the summer.

Attracting quality rugby players is hard enough but when any overseas player looked at the mess that was Welsh rugby over the last year, it’s no surprise that there has been a dearth of big names coming to Wales.

Some old heads have been drafted in and their first XV looks strong. So we should no more hold the Dragons to a lower standard than the other regions. Finishing only above Connacht and the Italian teams as they did last season is not good enough.

No more excuses at the Dragons says Gwyn Jones

“No excuses” sounds great. But what does it mean? What are their targets and what will happen if they fail to meet them?

What it needs to mean is what it says. “No excuses” - otherwise it’s a catchy soundbite with no gravitas.

Two of our regions have new head coaches. In a period where attracting players to Wales may have been difficult, the Scarlets and the Blues have managed to import coaches from New Zealand.

I have thought for a while that the regions have been far too happy to promote retiring senior players into the coaching set up without these players having coached anyone.

It’s a popular and cheap option. But if the head coach then leaves, the region is left with an inexperienced, newly appointed coach in charge of the region.

They may have had a great deal to offer on the field of play, but being the head coach of a region is one of the most important and influential positions in Welsh rugby and we need experienced and visionary people in these roles.

I applaud the Blues and Scarlets for bringing in some external expertise.

Dan Biggar will be an important figure for the Ospreys this season (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

In the past they have been able to physically dominate opponents and grind them into submission up front. They had a good defence and then Dan Biggar would kick them to victory.

I don’t think they can do that this season. They are going to have to find a way of being more creative.

It will make them more vulnerable for sure but they don’t have the tools to batter teams as they did in the past.

It will require a big change in approach but if they don’t embrace it then it’s going to be a tough year at the Liberty.

*Gwyn Jones is part of the Clwb Rygbi presentation team on S4C. Clwb Rygbi’s first full match is Zebre v Blues on Sunday, 7 September (kick off 4pm). Clwb Rygbi is part of S4C’s new Sunday afternoon sports programme Clwb. English sound-track available via the red button on Sky, Freeview or Virgin Media. Freesat viewers should use the audio selection option.